Lois Larson
It is essential to carry a valid ID when travelling by air. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts some temporary IDs for air travel, a paper ID may not always be accepted. In the absence of a valid ID, passengers may be directed to a separate area for additional screening and identity verification. TSA recommends that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least two to three hours before their flight time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is paper ID accepted at the airport? | No, paper ID is not accepted at the airport. TSA recommends individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least two to three hours before their flight time. |
| What to do if you only have a paper ID? | Contact your airline prior to the day of your flight. TSA will do additional screening to confirm your ID before you can board the plane. |
| What are some acceptable forms of identification? | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Paper ID alone is not enough to board a flight
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that a paper ID alone will not be enough to board a flight. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts some types of temporary IDs for air travel, not all are accepted. A temporary paper ID, for example, may not be accepted.
If you only have a paper ID, you must contact your airline before the day of your flight. They will provide you with options to complete before you can board your flight. You should also arrive at the airport at least two to three hours early, as recommended by the TSA, to allow for extra scrutiny and additional screening methods.
If your identity cannot be verified through other means, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint and board your flight. To verify your identity, the TSA officer may ask you to provide information such as your name, current address, and other personal information. This could also involve questions and other documents with your name on them, such as a credit card.
It is important to note that even if your temporary ID is accepted by the TSA, you may still need to provide additional documentation to confirm your identity and be allowed to board your flight. This could include a passport, a birth certificate, a social security card, or other forms of identification. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the TSA and your airline in advance to confirm the required documentation.
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TSA requires physical IDs for identity verification
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all adult passengers (aged 18 and over) to present valid identification at the airport checkpoint. This is a mandatory step in the identity verification process. While digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 airports, passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification.
The TSA has outlined a list of acceptable forms of physical identification, which includes:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State-issued photo identity cards
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. The TSA strongly recommends that passengers check the list before travelling to ensure they have the appropriate identification. Additionally, passengers under 18 years of age are not required to provide identification when travelling within the United States, unless they are unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck, in which case they must show acceptable ID.
In terms of temporary IDs, the TSA does accept some types, such as temporary driver's licenses or ID cards. However, other temporary IDs, like a temporary paper ID, may not be accepted. It is always best to check with the TSA in advance to confirm whether a specific type of temporary ID will be accepted. Even if a temporary ID is accepted, additional documentation may be required to confirm an individual's identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or social security card.
The TSA is also implementing new technology for identity verification, such as facial recognition and digital IDs. Passengers can now use their digital IDs through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. Digital IDs enhance security by reducing the risk of fraudulent documents and protecting personal information. However, as of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers are encouraged to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or to enrol for a state-issued REAL ID.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are accepted
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers must either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) and identification cards (EIDs) are designated as acceptable alternatives to REAL IDs for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. EDLs issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.
It is important to note that TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. Additionally, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
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Other forms of ID include passports, birth certificates, etc
It is important to note that a paper ID alone will not be sufficient for air travel. While some temporary IDs are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), others, such as a temporary paper ID, are not. This means that, if you only have a paper ID, you may still be able to board your flight, but you will have to go through additional screening and identity verification processes. It is recommended that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least two to three hours before their flight time to account for this.
If you only have a paper ID, you should contact your airline before the day of your flight to understand their specific requirements and procedures. In some cases, additional documentation, such as a passport, birth certificate, social security card, or other forms of identification, may be required. It is also worth noting that TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date.
A U.S. passport is one of the most commonly accepted forms of identification for air travel. It serves as a valid and secure document that confirms your identity and citizenship. When travelling, it is essential to ensure that your passport is up-to-date and valid for your destination country's entry requirements.
A birth certificate is another form of identification that can be used in certain situations. While it may not be sufficient on its own, presenting an original or certified copy of your birth certificate can help verify your identity, especially when paired with other supporting documents. It is crucial to keep in mind that requirements may vary across airlines and destinations, so it is always advisable to check with the relevant authorities beforehand.
In addition to the aforementioned forms of identification, other government-issued documents can also be used as supporting evidence of your identity. These may include a social security card, a driver's license, or a state-issued identification card. It is important to remember that each form of identification has its own specific requirements and limitations, so it is always recommended to carry a primary form of ID, such as a valid passport, whenever possible.
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Contact your airline for specific requirements for travellers under 18
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. The TSA recommends contacting your airline for questions regarding their specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines provide detailed information on their websites for unaccompanied minors. American Airlines recommends that you inform the gate agent that an unaccompanied minor is travelling on the flight. They will board your child early so they can meet the flight crew and learn about the plane's safety features. They also recommend that you remind your child to ask for help only from a uniformed team member and to fully charge any electronic devices. They also suggest packing snacks, as food and drink service is limited.
Delta Air Lines recommends that you review the process to help your unaccompanied minor prepare for their flight. An adult must accompany the minor through the check-in process and pick them up at their destination. They also recommend talking with your child about the journey and reminding them only to speak to Delta Air Lines representatives if they need anything. They also suggest reminding your child not to leave the gate area at any time.
In addition to ID requirements, there may be other requirements for travellers under 18 when travelling internationally. For example, American Airlines states that children under 18 may need a Letter of Consent to travel internationally without both parents. They also mention that Spanish authorities require all Spanish children travelling alone, with only one parent, or with a third party to have a travel permit requested by the parents or legal guardians. Therefore, it is important to contact your airline and review the specific requirements for your destination when travelling internationally with minors.
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Frequently asked questions
Paper IDs are not accepted by the TSA as a valid form of identification. However, you may still be able to board if your identity can be verified through other means.
Other forms of identification that can be used include a passport, a birth certificate, a social security card, or a credit card.
If you do not have any other forms of identification, you may still be able to board your flight by completing an identity verification process, which includes providing personal information such as your name and address.
If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint and board your flight.
It is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs on the TSA website and contact your airline before your flight to ensure you have the correct documentation.
